PRESS RELEASE
Five lucky Alaskans who made charitable donations through Pick.Click.Give. were chosen as the winners of the 2017 “Double Your Dividend” sweepstakes. Of the more than 20,000 people who made non-anonymous pledges, five were chosen at random to win a cash prize equal to the 2017 dividend amount. Unlike previous “Double Your Divided” sweepstakes, this year had an added bonus. In the spirit of philanthropy, winners were awarded a $1,100 grant to donate to a non-profit of their choice in addition to their personal prize money.
Winners of the Pick.Click.Give. “Double Your Dividend” sweepstakes are:
• Hannah Kahahawai of Palmer on how she has designated her PCG non-profit award money:
“I am awarding my prize money to two different non-profits. I would like to divide the money evenly between Challenge Alaska and the Fisher House of Alaska. I chose to give to Challenge Alaska because I think that even if someone has a disability, they shouldn’t be left out. They should have the opportunity to enjoy all the fun activities our beautiful state has to offer, and Challenge Alaska helps make that possible with their programs. I also chose the Fisher House because I come from a military family and I think it is so important for families to be close to their loved ones during stressful times. The Fisher House provides both relief and comfort.”
• Mark Norquist of Anchorage on how he has designated his PCG non-profit award money:
“Half to Alaska Public Media as it is a tremendous service for the people of Alaska and probably the most unbiased news source available. Half to Friends of the Chugach National Forest Avalanche Information Center, as I am an avid backcountry skier and they provide extremely valuable information to help keep me and my fellow outdoor adventure buddies safe.”
• Steven Jewell of Nikiski on how he has designated his PCG non-profit award money:
“I would like to name Alaska’s Extended Life Animal Sanctuary as the nonprofit to also get prize money. We do not have children so our pets are our kids. I appreciate what this facility is doing for strays and unwanted animals on the Kenai Peninsula. I know they are trying to expand their facility to provide better care for the animals currently residing there and for future animals needing help. I think they could make this money go a long way toward that goal.”
• Candis Knowles of Palmer:
Candis’ designations are: Mat Su Senior Services, Friends of the Palmer Public Library and Anchorage Gospel Rescue Mission for all the incredible work they do.
• Whitney Flores of Anchorage on how she has designated her PCG non-profit award money:
“The organizations that I would like to donate to in equal amounts are Off the Chain Bicycle Education Corporation, Planned Parenthood of the Great Northwest and the Hawaiian Islands, Alaska Center and the Food Bank of Alaska. I am choosing Off the Chain because it is an important part of our community. To me personally, it has provided me with lifelong friends, bicycle knowledge and the ability to feel confident riding in Anchorage. Off the Chain has dedicated volunteers that are always willing to help you learn about your bike. I have chosen Planned Parenthood because I believe that reproductive health and education is something that we all need access to. I am donating to the Alaska Center because I care deeply about environmental impacts that are affecting Alaska and feel that the Center's efforts to educate the public and politicians about these impacts is imperative to forming better policies. Lastly, I am donating to the Food Bank of Alaska because food security and food access are important issues to me. No one should be hungry and the Food Bank of Alaska provides much needed access to those in need.”
About The Alaska Community Foundation:
Established in 1995, The Alaska Community Foundation (ACF) is a statewide platform for philanthropy that connects people who care with causes that matter. Managing more than $80 million in assets and over 425 funds for the benefit of Alaskans, ACF and their affiliates grant $3 million to $5 million each year to charitable projects and non-profit organizations across the state. ACF’s mission is to inspire the spirit of giving and connect people, organizations and causes to strengthen Alaska’s communities now and forever. For more information, visit www.alaskacf.org or call 907-334-6700.
